How long does Kombucha last?
How long does Kombucha last? fridge ~1 month. Plus spoilage signs, sources, and an unopened-vs-opened note.
Quick answer
Sealed / unopened: 6 months (sealed)
Signs Kombucha has gone bad
- Excessive vinegar smell beyond normal tang.
- Thick gelatinous mass, alcoholic smell.
Still good if
- Dark brown SCOBY chunks or stringy bits floating in the bottle — strain them out, the kombucha is still good. The SCOBY is the live culture, not contamination.
Discard immediately if
- Bulging or pressurized container
- Sharp sour smell
- Curdled or chunky texture
Why guidance varies
Pasteurization method (HTST vs. UHT vs. cold-pressed), preservative content, and container type (carton vs. plastic vs. glass) all change shelf life dramatically.
Get a heads-up before it expires. Search the full database instead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Kombucha last?
In the fridge: ~1 month. Sealed / unopened: 6 months (sealed). Active cultures continue fermenting. Refrigerate to slow it. More fizzy over time is normal.
How can you tell if Kombucha has gone bad?
Signs that Kombucha has gone bad: Excessive vinegar smell beyond normal tang; Thick gelatinous mass, alcoholic smell. Still good if: Dark brown SCOBY chunks or stringy bits floating in the bottle — strain them out, the kombucha is still good. The SCOBY is the live culture, not contamination.
What does the date label on Kombucha mean?
Kombucha usually carries a "Best By" date. A quality marker — the product is at peak quality before this date, but it’s safe to eat afterward if stored correctly. See our date-labels guide for the full breakdown.
Sources for this answer
- A USDA FoodKeeper — Storage windows and refrigeration guidance for this category.
- A FDA — Are You Storing Food Safely? — Date-label interpretation and food-safety baseline.